FDNY F-60 Certificate of Fitness — Fire Guard for Torch Operations — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A contractor is setting up for a torch operation. Who is responsible for completing and signing the hot work program authorization before work begins?

The responsible person designated by the owner (Correct answer)
The owner of the building
The F-60 Fire Guard on duty
The FDNY inspector

Correct answer: The responsible person designated by the owner

A hot work program authorization is not issued by the FDNY. It must be signed and issued by the 'responsible person' designated by the building or structure owner to oversee the hot work program.

Question 2: During torch operations, where must the fire guard be positioned?

At the building's main fire alarm panel
Outside the building monitoring exits
In direct visual contact with the torch operator and work area (Correct answer)
At the nearest fire extinguisher location

Correct answer: In direct visual contact with the torch operator and work area

The fire guard must maintain direct visual contact with the torch operator and work area at all times during operations.

Question 3: The 'Responsible Person' designated by the building owner plays a critical role in the hot work process. Which of the following is a primary record-keeping duty of the Responsible Person?

Filing the citywide permit application with the FDNY on behalf of the contractor.
Maintaining a log of all fire extinguishers used on the premises.
Inspecting the hot work area and signing the Hot Work Program Authorization before work begins. (Correct answer)
Issuing the F-60 Certificate of Fitness to the Fire Guard.

Correct answer: Inspecting the hot work area and signing the Hot Work Program Authorization before work begins.

The Responsible Person's key duty is to inspect the specific work area to ensure it is fire-safe and then to issue and sign the Hot Work Program Authorization. This document is the official record authorizing the specific hot work operation at that time and place.

Question 4: Which of the following is a required element in a fire watch log entry when torch operations are underway?

The cost of materials being installed
The names of all workers on the floor
The model number of the torch being used
The name and C of F number of the Fire Guard on duty (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The name and C of F number of the Fire Guard on duty

The Fire Guard's name and C of F number are required to identify the qualified individual responsible for the watch.

Question 5: Which type of gas is most commonly used in torch operations covered under the F60 certificate?

Propane
MAPP gas
Acetylene (Correct answer)
Natural gas

Correct answer: Acetylene

Acetylene is the most commonly used fuel gas in torch operations due to its high flame temperature.

Question 6: When fire is discovered during torch operations and the fire guard uses a portable extinguisher, the PASS technique stands for:

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
Prepare, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Pull, Angle, Spread, Secure
Press, Activate, Shoot, Scan

Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

PASS is the standard fire extinguisher technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

Question 7: A fire guard observes that combustible materials cannot be moved away from the torch work area. What is the correct action?

Cover the combustibles with fire-resistant shields before work begins (Correct answer)
Wet down the combustible materials with water
Proceed with operations and monitor closely
Notify the torch operator to work faster to reduce exposure time

Correct answer: Cover the combustibles with fire-resistant shields before work begins

When combustible materials cannot be removed, they must be protected with fire-resistant shields or covered before torch operations begin.

Question 8: Which of the following is an acceptable method for a fire guard to contain a small torch-ignited fire while waiting for FDNY?

Covering the fire with roofing felt to smother it
Using a garden hose or portable extinguisher appropriate for the fire class (Correct answer)
Leaving the fire unattended to retrieve water from a lower floor
Pouring gasoline on the fire to create a controlled burn-out

Correct answer: Using a garden hose or portable extinguisher appropriate for the fire class

A garden hose or appropriate portable extinguisher can be used for initial attack on a small fire, but the fire guard must never leave the scene or use inappropriate materials.

Question 9: Which type of fire extinguisher is MOST appropriate for a fire guard to have readily available during torch operations on a bituminous roof?

CO2 extinguisher only
Class K extinguisher
2.5-gallon water extinguisher or dry chemical ABC extinguisher (Correct answer)
Class D extinguisher

Correct answer: 2.5-gallon water extinguisher or dry chemical ABC extinguisher

A 2.5-gallon water extinguisher or dry chemical ABC extinguisher is suitable for the common combustibles encountered in roofing torch operations.

Question 10: After calling 911 for a fire emergency at a torch operation site, what critical information must the fire guard provide?

The estimated cost of damage and number of workers on site
The contractor's license number and insurance policy
Exact location, nature of fire, and whether the building is occupied (Correct answer)
The type of roofing material being installed

Correct answer: Exact location, nature of fire, and whether the building is occupied

Dispatchers need the exact address, fire description, and occupancy status to send appropriate resources and priority response.

Question 11: At a construction site, flammable gases used in torch operations must be stored how far from ignition sources when not in use?

At least 10 feet
At least 5 feet
At least 50 feet
At least 20 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least 20 feet

Flammable gas cylinders must be stored at least 20 feet from ignition sources or separated by a fire-resistant barrier.

Question 12: How long is the Fire Guard for Torch Operations certificate typically valid?

1 year
5 years
3 years (Correct answer)
Indefinitely

Correct answer: 3 years

The Certificate of Fitness for Fire Guard for Torch Operations (F60) is typically valid for a period of three years. This standard validity period ensures that certificate holders periodically review their knowledge and compliance with current fire safety regulations. After three years, renewal procedures are required to maintain active certification.

Question 13: A 'Responsible Person' is designated at a hot work site to ensure safety. According to FDNY regulations, which of the following is a primary duty of the Responsible Person BEFORE issuing a hot work authorization?

Notify the local firehouse of the planned work.
Train the F-60 Fire Guard on torch operation techniques.
Inspect the hot work site to ensure it is a fire-safe area. (Correct answer)
Personally operate the fire extinguisher in a drill.

Correct answer: Inspect the hot work site to ensure it is a fire-safe area.

The FDNY code specifies that the Responsible Person must inspect the hot work area before authorizing any work to begin. This inspection is to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place and the area is free from fire hazards.

Question 14: Which protective device must remain on a compressed gas cylinder whenever the regulator is not attached?

Flow control cap
Dust cover seal
Valve protection cap (Correct answer)
Pressure relief valve

Correct answer: Valve protection cap

The valve protection cap guards the cylinder valve from physical damage during handling and transport and must always be in place when the regulator is removed.

Question 15: When using the PASS technique, what does the second 'S' stand for?

Spray in circles
Sweep side to side (Correct answer)
Stop and reassess
Start at the base

Correct answer: Sweep side to side

In the PASS technique, the second S stands for Sweep — move the extinguisher nozzle side to side at the base of the flames.

Question 16: How long must Hot Work Permit records be retained after the work is completed?

3 years
1 year (Correct answer)
6 months
30 days

Correct answer: 1 year

FDNY regulations require that Hot Work Permit records be retained for a minimum of one year after completion of the work.

Question 17: According to FDNY regulations, for how long must the Hot Work Program Authorization, signed by the Responsible Person, be kept available for inspection after the completion of hot work?

30 days
24 hours
7 days
48 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 48 hours

The FDNY Fire Code stipulates that the Hot Work Program Authorization must be available for inspection by any representative of the Fire Department during the work and for a period of 48 hours after the work is complete.

Question 18: A Fire Guard is conducting a fire watch for a torch operation on a construction site. After the torch work is completed for the day, what is the MINIMUM amount of time the Fire Guard must continue to monitor the area?

15 minutes
30 minutes (Correct answer)
1 hour
Until the supervisor dismisses them

Correct answer: 30 minutes

According to FDNY regulations and standard hot work safety procedures, the fire watch must continue for at least 30 minutes after the completion of torch operations to detect and extinguish any smoldering fires.

Question 19: What is the correct sequence for shutting down torch equipment at the end of a work period?

Close only the oxygen cylinder valve, leaving fuel available for re-ignition
Close cylinder valves first, bleed gas from lines through the torch, then close torch valves (Correct answer)
Turn all valves off simultaneously to save time
Close torch fuel valve, then torch oxygen valve, then cylinder valves

Correct answer: Close cylinder valves first, bleed gas from lines through the torch, then close torch valves

Closing cylinder valves first and bleeding lines through the torch ensures no pressurized gas remains trapped in hoses and regulators, preventing hose burnback.

Question 20: Under NYC Building Code, hot work permits on construction sites are typically valid for what maximum duration?

One month
One work shift (8 hours)
One calendar day (Correct answer)
One week

Correct answer: One calendar day

Hot work permits are typically valid for one calendar day and must be reissued for subsequent days of work.

Question 21: What is the minimum fire extinguisher rating required at a torch operation work site per FDNY regulations?

1-A
2-A:10-B:C (Correct answer)
4-A:60-B:C
10-A:20-B:C

Correct answer: 2-A:10-B:C

FDNY requires at least one 2-A:10-B:C rated extinguisher within 30 feet of any torch operation work site.

Question 22: Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for a hot work area where torch operations involve flammable gases?

Class D metal fire extinguisher
Class K wet chemical extinguisher
Class B dry chemical extinguisher (Correct answer)
Class A water extinguisher

Correct answer: Class B dry chemical extinguisher

Class B extinguishers are rated for flammable gas and liquid fires, which are the primary hazard during torch operations.

Question 23: For a standard torch operation at a construction site, what is the MINIMUM rating for a portable fire extinguisher that must be readily accessible?

2-A:20-B:C (Correct answer)
1-A:10-B:C
3-A:40-B:C
10-B:C

Correct answer: 2-A:20-B:C

The FDNY requires at least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C to be readily accessible within 30 feet of where hot work is performed. A higher rating is required for specific operations like torch-applied roofing.

Question 24: During post-torch monitoring, a fire guard detects heat in a wall with an infrared thermometer. The reading is significantly above ambient temperature. What action is required?

Open the wall with tools to visually confirm before calling anyone
Record the reading and check again in one hour
Treat it as a potential hidden fire and call 911 (Correct answer)
Notify the roofing foreman and continue monitoring

Correct answer: Treat it as a potential hidden fire and call 911

An anomalous heat reading in a structural component after torch work indicates a potential concealed fire and must be treated as an emergency requiring 911.

Question 25: Under NYC regulations, torch operations on a roof must cease at what point relative to sunset?

One hour before sunset (Correct answer)
At sunset
When natural lighting becomes insufficient for safe work
30 minutes before sunset

Correct answer: One hour before sunset

Torch operations on roofs must stop one hour before sunset to allow adequate fire watch during remaining daylight.

Question 26: When operating a portable fire extinguisher, the acronym P.A.S.S. is used to describe the proper technique. What does the 'A' in P.A.S.S. stand for?

Aim at the base of the fire (Correct answer)
Alert the supervisor
Assess the situation
Activate the alarm

Correct answer: Aim at the base of the fire

The P.A.S.S. method stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Aiming at the base is crucial for extinguishing the source of the fuel, rather than just the flames.

FDNY F-60 Certificate of Fitness — Fire Guard for Torch Operations

The FDNY F-60 Certificate of Fitness exam certifies fire guards to oversee torch operations involving open flames, cutting, welding, and soldering at construction sites and buildings in New York City.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

70%

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Sources & references

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nyc-business.nyc.gov — Score release, score validity · verified Oct 2026
nyc.gov — Test delivery, exam format, passing score, registration deadline, retake policy, time limit, eligibility, fees, renewal, test dates · verified Oct 2026